Cornstalk cutter



June 3, 1930. s. FINNELL CORN STALK, CUTTER Filed April 18," 1929 2 Sheets$heet Inventor 117/; 022 [7mm A itorney a; g I i i- -mm Byggm June 3, 1930. F|NNELL 1,761,983

CORN STALK CUTTER Filed April 18, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 F n 2mm.

A itomey Patented June 3, 1930 UNITED STATES SIMPSON FINNELL, F HAMBURG, IOWA CORNSTALK CUTTER Application filed. April 18,

This invention relates to an improved agricultural machine and has more particular reference to a specifically refined contribution to the art which may be broadly defined as a three row corn stalk chopper.

In developing this invention I have conceived of the idea of utilizing a wheel supported frame carrying three distinct rotary cutters, the two outer ones of which are rigid- 0 ly mounted with respect to the frame, and the central one of which is mounted for freedom of motion in a manner to render it substantially self adjusting with respect to the portion of the ground between the two outer cutters.

The advantage of this arrangement is to permit appropriate and eflicient operation of the central cutter in the event that the middle row is higher or lower than the two outside rows, assuring that all three of the cutters will be in constant contact with the ground being traversed irrespective of the irregular contour of the ground.

The particular structure for accomplishing this result will become more readily apparent from the following description and drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan View of the improved machine constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a front end elevation of the same.

Figure 3 is a central longitudinal sectional View on an enlarged scale showing the central rotary cutter.

In carrying the invention into effect I utilize a suitably constructed frame which is generally designated by the reference character 1 and which includes end members 5 connected together by spaced parallel slats or transverse members 6. The end members are provided with bearings 7 and 8 adjacent which are the supporting and driving wheels 9 and 10, respectively. The reference char acter 11 designates a draft tongue, and 12 the brace rod connected therewith. The left hand rotary cutter is distinguished by the reference character 13, the right hand cutter by the reference character 14 and the central 1929. Serial No. 356,133.

one by the reference character 15. As before stated the novelty is restricted more particularly to the utilization of a pair of relatively fixed end cutters and an intervening central cutter each of which has individual operation. Each cutter comprises end heads 16 carrying appropriate cutting blades 17. The lefthand cutter 13 is provided with an axle 18'mounted for rotation in the adjacent bearing 7 and an axle 19 mounted in bearings 20. The right hand cutter is provided with an axle 21 mounted in the bearing 8 and an axle 22 mounted in the bearing 23. These two cutters are driven by the ground wheels 9 and 10 in an obvious manner. They are independently rotatable. The construction and suspension of the central cutter 15 may better be seen in Figure 3. Here it will be observed that the reference character 24 designates slidably mounted depending U- shaped staples or hangers supported from adjacent slats as seen in this figure. The reference character 25 designates a U-shaped frame having bearing blocks 26 in which the axle of the rotary cutter 15 is mounted for rotation. The reference character 27 merely designates a brace. It will be observed that the arm portions of this portion 25 are mounted pivotally on the U-shaped hangers 24. This permits the entire central cutter 15 to have a floating action. In other words this cutter is substantially self leveling and movable in a vertical plane to accommodate the irregularities of the ground being traversed.

As before emphasized, the gist of the invention is in the provision of a wheel supported frame having a pair of fixedly mounted end rotary cutters or chopper and an intervening central chopper wherein the last named chopper is pivotally mounted by suspension means which is vertically movable to permit self adjusting to accommodate the irregularities in the surface being traversed. Thus, in case the two end rows are uneven, itwill be seen that the respective end cutters will readily come into contact with the material being acted on. Likewise the central cutter will adjust itself to any irregularities in the surface existing between the two end rows, whereby to render it'substantially self adjusting.

A careful consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings will enable the reader to obtain a clear understanding of the construction, features and advantages of the invention. Therefore, a more lengthy description is regarded unnecessary. L

Minor changes in shape, size, and materials coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to in actual prcatice if desired.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In a structure of the class described, in combination, a wheel supported frame, a pair of rigidly mounted end cutters and a central cutter arranged between and in alinement with said end cutters, said central cutter comprising a frame, and means pivotally connecting said frame with said wheel supported frame.

2. In a corn stalk chopping machine of the class described, a wheel supported frame, a pair of fixedly mounted rotary end cutters, .a .pair of depending vertically slidable hangers connected with and depending from the central portion of said frame, a substantially U- shaped frame pivotally connected with said hangers, and a central bladed cutter mounted for rotation on said U-shaped frame.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

SIMPSON FINNELL. 

